“How have the people perceived the missionaries (for an excellent discussion of missionary roles see Loewen 1975: and Smalley 1967:276—285 )? In india the missionaries were called “dora.” The word is used for rich farmers and small—time kings. These petty rulers bought large pieces of land, put up compound walls, built bungalows, and had servants. They also erected separate bungalows for their second and third wives. When the missionaries came they bought large pieces of land, put up compound walls, built bungalows, and had servants. They, too, erected separate bungalows, but for the missionary ladies stationed on the same compound. Missionary wives were called “dorasani,” The term is used not for the wife of a dora for she should be kept in isolation away from the public eye, but his mistress whom he often took with him in his cart or car.
The problem here is one of cross—cultural misunderstanding. The missionary thought of himself as a “missionary,” not realizing that there is no such thing in the traditional Indian society. In order to relate to him, the people had to find him a role within their own set of roles, and they did so. Unfortunately, the missionaries were not aware of how the people perceived them.”
(Crucial Dimensions on World Evangelisation, Arthur F. Glasser, Paul G. Hiebert C Peter Wagner, Ralph D. Winter. William Carey Library 1980 pg 64)
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